Wednesday, December 7, 2016

How I Write: Authors on Their Writing Process - Jordan Phillips

Today's interview is with author of fashion, travel and lifestyle books, Jordan Phillips.

1.When
did you first start writing?

When I graduated from university, I
dreamed of writing a book and owning an online clothing store. Neither of those
things panned out because I was a public relations coordinator, and I worked
all the time. Then I climbed the corporate ladder and became a mother, and put
those dreams on the back burner. Now I’m finally doing everything I dreamed of!

2.What
led to your love for literature?

I didn’t
have a particularly wonderful childhood, so I loved to escape through reading.
As a teenager, I could shut everything else out and dive into another world. I
used to go to the library once per week and come home with a stack of books.

I first
dream, take notes, and make a general plan. Then I research and gather relevant
information. Next, I outline the entire book so that all of the bones are in
place. Then I just beginning filling in the pieces, working on whatever part
inspires me in that moment. I edit throughout the entire process.

4.What
did you find most / least useful in learning to write?

I do my
best brainstorming while traveling. I jot down notes in my iPhone and email
them to myself to fully develop the ideas when I have time. I find it easiest
to sit down and write for hours when I’ve already allowed myself to dream and
flush out the key parts.

5.Who
or what inspires you?

Just as the
title of my book says, I am inspired by Paris! Though I would never want to
live there again full-time (I live in New York), I absolutely love my time in
Paris. It is the perfect place to wander around, take in the stunning scenery,
and dream. I’m headed back to Paris tonight!

6.When
in the day do you usually write? For how long?

When I’m
writing a book, I spend at least a few hours every morning working on it, as
much as my schedule allows. Sometimes I stay up all night writing. I love it!
Generally I spend about six months straight being totally obsessed with writing
the book, and I can’t think of anything else. Once the book is finished, I have
to take a break from any kind of writing.

7.Do
you have a writing routine / schedule? Any specific rituals?

I have a
very busy life in New York, so it’s hard to squeeze in the time to have long
writing and editing sessions. I am fortunate in that my husband and daughter
don’t mind if I escape for a week here and there to Paris to really focus. When
I’m in “escape” mode, I work on my book for up to 12 hours per day. It’s a
treat!

8.Where
do you feel most inspired to write?

Paris!

9.Do
you ever get writers' block? What are some ways you get around it?

I never sit
down and force myself to write, so no. I only write when I’m in the mood and
the words are flowing. I don’t think forced writing turns out well.

10.What
project are you working on now?

I am
working on building up my online French vintage store at www.inspiredbyparis.com, and beginning to think about my next book.

11.What
books do you like to read? What are you reading now?

I just
finished The Light of Paris and am
now reading Start Here: Mastering the
Lifelong Habit of Wellbeing.

Bio:

Jordan
Phillips is the author of Inspired by
Paris: Why Borrowing from the French Is Better Than Being French. She
spends most of her time in New York City with her husband and daughter but
enjoys escaping to her apartment in Paris as often as possible.

Jordan holds a master’s degree in fashion marketing and management from the
École Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode (ESMOD) in Paris, and a
bachelor's degree in journalism from California Polytechnic State University,
San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly). She is also the author of Sustainable Luxe: A Guide to Feel-Good Fashion and The Lure of Luxe: Climbing the Luxury
Consumption Pyramid.

Part travel
narrative and part lifestyle guide, Inspired by Paris: Why Borrowing from the
French Is Better Than Being French is a must-read for anyone who’s ever
dreamed about traveling to or living in France.

Author
Jordan Phillips is a bona fide Francophile. Just show her a wedge of oozy
French cheese or a slightly dilapidated Mansard roof, and she’ll swoon every
time. Before moving to New York, Phillips lived in Paris, and she still travels
to her apartment there frequently. But through these experiences, she learned
that—as in so many things in life—fantasy is often better than reality.

Filled with
historical tidbits, motivational nuggets, and honest insight, chapters such as
“La Vie Est Belle,” “The Paris Syndrome,” and “Jacques-in-the-Box” reveal the
truth of what it’s really like to live in the most beautiful city in the world.
Whether you’re headed to Paris next week or never make it there at
all, this chatty and information-packed book will introduce you to the real
City of Light—beyond the fantasy of the Instagram version.